A handheld fiber laser welder and a MIG welder both join metal, but they work very differently, and they handle different materials in different ways. This article compares them metal by metal so you can see where each one fits.
What a handheld fiber laser welder is
A handheld fiber laser welder melts the metal at the joint with a focused laser beam. The beam is carried through an optical fiber to a handheld torch, and the operator guides it along the seam. Because the heat is concentrated in a small area, the part distorts less and the weld is usually neat. These machines are used in automotive work, fabrication and other manufacturing.
How each process handles common metals
Steel, carbon and stainless
MIG and laser both work on steel. MIG is a long-established method for carbon steel and thicker material. A laser welder gives you more control and a cleaner weld on thin stainless steel, which can warp and discolor under the heat of MIG.
Aluminum
Aluminum is difficult to weld because it conducts heat quickly and forms an oxide layer. A handheld fiber laser welder puts in less heat at a high speed, which helps keep thin aluminum from overheating and warping. MIG can weld aluminum too, but it uses more heat, so distortion is more likely on thin sheet.
Copper
Copper is hard to weld by any method, because it carries heat away and reflects laser light. A laser gives better control of heat input than MIG, which can burn through or throw spatter on copper, but copper limits the thickness you can weld. Check the capability table for your model.
Titanium
Titanium needs clean, well-controlled welding. A laser welder's low heat input and narrow weld suit it. The Ascent handheld welders list titanium among the metals they weld.
Heat, speed, versatility and cleanup
- Heat input. A laser uses less heat, which suits thin and delicate material. MIG uses more, which suits thicker material but can warp thin parts.
- Speed. A laser is often faster on thin metal, because it travels quickly along the seam.
- Thickness. MIG remains more practical on thick material. Laser welders cover thicker material as laser power goes up, so match the power to the job.
- Cleanup. Laser welds usually have less spatter and slag, so there is less grinding afterward.
Frequently asked questions
What maintenance does a handheld fiber laser welder need?
Keep the lens clean, check the alignment and make sure the fiber cable is undamaged. Follow the maker's service schedule.
Does a handheld fiber laser welder work on all metals?
It works well on steel, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. What it can weld depends on the laser power and the thickness of the material. Copper is more limited.
What safety precautions do I need?
A handheld laser welder is a Class 4 laser. Wear laser safety eyewear (minimum OD 5; prefer OD 7 or 8), enclose the work area with laser-rated partitions and ventilate the fumes. See our laser safety page.
How does it differ from a traditional welder?
A laser melts the metal with a focused beam, so the weld is narrower, the heat input is lower and distortion is reduced.
Can it weld thicker material?
It works best on thin to medium material, and higher-power models weld thicker metal. Check the thickness tables on the refrigeration laser welders page.
Summary
MIG welding is still right for many jobs, especially thick material. A handheld fiber laser welder has clear advantages on thin metal, on aluminum and on stainless steel, where low heat and a clean finish count. To see which model suits your work, visit Ascent Lasers Pro or contact us. Installation and training at your facility are included in the price, and the handheld welder has a 2-year warranty.
